Thunderbirds acquire Syrette from OHL Steelheads

Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. (Jan. 18, 2012) – The Soo Thunderbirds bolstered their roster last week with the signing of power forward Grant Syrette. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder spent the past season-and-a-half with the Mississauga Steelheads, of the Ontario Hockey League, where he built a reputation as a hard-hitting, gritty skater.

 

“For a big guy, he has good skill,” said Kevin Cain, general manager of the Thunderbirds, who currently sit first place in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League. “He’s definitely not soft. Grant has the ability to make plays and make room for himself and others around him.”

 

Meanwhile, an injury set Syrette back this year. He broke his ankle last summer. Once healed, he underwent rehab, which caused him to miss the Steelheads training camp and the beginning of the OHL season.

 

“It was an unfortunate incident,” said Cain. “They (Steelheads) really liked him, but his injury set him back. Grant needs to play, and we’re doing what we can to give him ice time. We’ll help him get back to the OHL, if that’s what he wants to do.”

 

Hailing from Garden River, Ont., just outside Sault Ste. Marie, Syrette spent his midget years with the AAA Soo North Stars. While skating for the Great North Midget League squad, he played on a line with Brandon Warmington. The two were recently reunited and are now on the same line with the Thunderbirds.

 

“It will be nice playing with Brandon again,” said Syrette. “I’m also excited to play in front of my hometown fans. The Thunderbirds are a solid team, and my goal is to give it my all and help the team in any way I can. Ultimately, everyone’s goal is to return to the Dudley-Hewitt Cup.”

 

More information on the Thunderbirds is available online at www.tbirdhockey.ca.  

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